Blue Cast Springs
Natural Areas: Blue Cast Springs
State Designated Nature Preserve [#253; 2013]
Maumee River. Click to enlarge
This ACRES property includes the 5,000th acre protected by that incredible organization. It also has the distinction of being the first state-dedicated nature preserve in what DNR calls the Black Swamp Natural Region. The complex trail system allows exploration of and views from bluffs overlooking the Maumee River, as well as wooded areas to the south. The southern boundary of the preserve borders the former Wabash and Erie canal; the Maumee flows generally northeast from here before discharging into Lake Erie. Several springs are said to be present, though I confess I’ve never spotted any.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Allen County. From US 24 X IN 101, north 0.75 miles on IN 101, then left 0.75 mile on Old US 24/Blue Cast Road to a parking area on the right.
GPS: N 41 09.241 W 84 51.760
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
Click to enlarge
Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
McNabb-Walter Nature Preserve (10.8)
Mengerson Nature Preserve (12.2)
Vandolah Nature Preserve (16.3)
Dustin Nature Preserve (18.5)